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Pac-12 Expansion: USC Trojans Men's Basketball to Face Chattanooga in Season Opener

Trojans Set to Battle Mocs in Non-ConferenceClash

The USC Trojans men's basketball team will tip off their 2023-24 season against the Chattanooga Mocs on November 7th at the Galen Center. The Trojans are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 15-18 overall and 8-10 in the Pac-12 Conference. The Mocs are a member of the Southern Conference and finished 18-14 overall and 9-9 in conference play last season. They are led by head coach Lamont Paris, who is entering his third season at the helm. The Trojans will be looking to bounce back from last season's struggles and make a run at the NCAA Tournament. They have a talented roster led by senior guard Boogie Ellis and junior forward Drew Peterson. The Mocs will be a tough test for the Trojans in their season opener. They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience. The Trojans will need to be ready to play from the opening tip if they want to start the season off on the right foot.

Key Matchups

* **Boogie Ellis vs. David Jean-Baptiste:** Ellis is one of the best guards in the Pac-12 and will be a tough matchup for Jean-Baptiste, who is a solid defender but not as athletic as Ellis. * **Drew Peterson vs. A.J. Caldwell:** Peterson is a versatile forward who can score inside and out. Caldwell is a good defender, but he will have his hands full trying to stop Peterson. * **Isaiah Mobley vs. KC Hankton:** Mobley is a skilled big man who can score and rebound. Hankton is a physical big man who will be a tough matchup for Mobley.

Prediction

The Trojans are the more talented team and should be able to win the game if they play to their potential. However, the Mocs are a well-coached team and will be a tough opponent. The Trojans will need to be ready to play from the opening tip if they want to start the season off on the right foot. Trojans 75, Mocs 65